Born into the aristocratic Koda family, Nozomi Mine was secretly switched at birth by nurse Michiko Nohara and raised by the impoverished Mine family in the slums. Unaware of her true parentage, she grew up helping adoptive parents Shizuko and Shinsuke Mine run their humble noodles shop. Despite poverty, the Mines provided a loving home, with Shinsuke's drunken singing sparking her musical passion and instilling values of hard work and sacrifice.

Through Michiko Nohara's covert manipulation, Nozomi transferred to an elite music school, unknowingly enabling Miki Koda's targeted bullying. As the poorest student, she worked menial jobs to afford tuition, facing class-based discrimination. Miki repeatedly sabotaged her, framing her for theft and disrupting performances. Nozomi persevered, working as a waitress and later as Miki's exploited assistant, enduring verbal abuse to support her family, especially after Shinsuke's hospitalization from an assault.

Nozomi combines kindness with unwavering determination, maintaining optimism despite setbacks. When Miki tricked her into missing a competition slot, she impressed judges by performing immediately upon returning. Her biological brother, Fanny Moriyama (born Hisashi Mine), developed a close bond with her, unaware of their relation. He supported her career while concealing his identity, creating emotional tension. After Shinsuke's death, Nozomi nearly abandoned music but recovered, reaffirming her adoptive parents' importance over blood ties.

The revelation of the baby switch caused significant turmoil. Nozomi rejected the Kodas, declaring the Mines her true family. Fanny's role became complicated; Michiko indirectly caused his death in the manga, while the anime spared him. Post-revelation, Nozomi continued her singing career, using music to overcome grief and adversity. Her journey reflects themes of identity and perseverance, culminating in her emergence as a dedicated artist grounded in her working-class roots.